A meagre contribution to the mission and work of the Order of Preachers: my reflections, thoughts, ideas and the occasional rant on matters mainly theological, philosophical and ecclesiastical, drawn primarily from my reading and experience of life and the world. Striving to be always Catholic, firmly Christian and essentially Dominican, flavoured with dashes of Von Balthasar.

About Me

A son of the English Province of the Order of Friars Preachers (Dominicans); born in Malaysia but have lived in the USA, Singapore, the UK & the Philippines for varying durations. A pilgrim and way-farer, a searcher for Truth on the journey of Life...
"Wherever the Catholic sun doth shine, There’s always laughter and good red wine. At least I’ve always found it so. Benedicamus Domino!"
- Hilaire Belloc

Holy Mary, succour those in need, help the faint-hearted, console the tearful: pray for the laity, assist for the clergy, intercede for all devout women: may all feel the power of your help, whoever prays for your holy aid. Alleluia!

O light of the Church, Teacher of truth, Rose of patience, Ivory of chastity: You have freely poured out the Waters of wisdom; Preacher of grace, unite us to the Blessed!

Almighty and provident God, through the intercession of Blessed Mary, the Queen of Heaven and Earth, and of all the angels and saints, we earnestly beg you to bless, guide and support our Holy Father, Benedict XVI. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Amen.

Thanks to Jeff Miller for the graphic above and thanks to all who nominated and voted for this blog. Soli Deo gloria!

Saturday, January 14, 2006

Hail! Bride Unbrided!

The Akathistos Hymn is an Office in honour of Our Lady sung in churches of the Byzantine rite (whether Catholic or non-Catholic), in parts on the first four Saturdays of Lent and in its entirety on the fifth, which is accordingly called 'Akathistos Saturday'. It is also in use at all times of the year for private devotion. Below is a stanza, translated by fr Vincent McNabb, O.P., which I wish to offer to Our Blessed Mother on this day, the first Saturday in Ordinary Time:

"Thus did he show himself as the new Creature when he, the Creator, revealed himself to us who were made by him; and, blossoming from a seedless womb he kept its unsullied purity, so that we the wonder knowing might hymn her and cry out:

Hail! flower unfading.Hail! crown of chastity.Hail! flashing token of resurrection.Hail! mirror of the life of Angels.Hail! tree of glorious fruit to feed the faithful.Hail! wood of grateful shade where many shelter.Hail! womb bearing the Guide of all who stray.Hail! forth-bringing the Redeemer of all bondsfolk.Hail! tireless pleader with the Just Judge.Hail! help bringer to sinners many.Hail! cloak of those bare of hopes.Hail! love outrunning all desire.Hail! Bride Unbrided."